As a family business, there is little we enjoy more than providing quality family vacation experiences in the Smokies.  Summit Cabin Rentals has 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom cabins for your family getaway.  Whether it is friends or family that are gathering, we have beautiful, well appointed cabins that will be an experience to enjoy.  Our cabins are spacious, well equipped and well built, providing game rooms, plenty of room in the kitchen along with hot tubs and Jacuzzis for all the things the family wants to enjoy.

One activity that is a sure fire success is to go hiking in the Smokies!  It is good to be aware of the hikes that are best suited to various hiking experience levels.  These waterfall hikes are among the most popular among visitors to the Smokies. Plan for a day of discovery when you plan a hiking adventure.  If you want to be the coolest parents in the Smokies, rent a Jeep from Smoky Mountain Jeep Rentals for the adventure of a lifetime as you drive through the mountains and discover the excellent trail heads throughout the park.

#1 Family Friendly Hike is Laurel Falls.
Laurel Falls
Laurel Branch and the 80-foot high Laurel Falls are named for mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub which blooms along the trail and near the falls in May. The waterfall consists of an upper and a lower section, divided by a walkway which crosses the stream at the base of the upper falls.  Laurel Falls is a popular trail and is best for beginners.  From Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road.

#2 Family Friendly Hike is Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls
Trillium Gap Trail meanders through an old-growth hemlock forest and actually runs behind the 25 foot high waterfall. The cool, moist environment near the falls is ideal for salamanders and summer hikers. The hike is 3 miles roundtrip and considered moderate in difficulty.Trillium Gap Trail on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

#3 Family Friendly Hike is Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls
This 5.4 mile roundtrip hike is considered moderate in difficulty. The Rainbow Falls Trail continues for approximately 4 miles beyond the falls to the summit of Mount Le Conte.  This hike is for the more experienced hikers.  Plan to spend a full afternoon, so pack water and snacks.  Proper footwear is always recommended. From the parkway in Gatlinburg, turn at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Continue past the Noah “Bud” Ogle homesite to the clearly signed Rainbow Falls parking area.

We want you to be safe!

Proper footwear is essential.  Don’t try to hike in sandals or flip flops.  Be sure that you are properly prepared with footwear and layers of clothing. It is cooler in higher elevations.

Do not climb on rocks around the waterfall. It is extremely dangerous.  Simply do not climb any rocks in the area.  Watch for black bears and other wildlife. Keep a proper distance of 50 yards from all wildlife.